Overview

Advanced ROS 2 development is a critical skill for building intelligent, autonomous robotic systems in modern industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, and AI-driven automation. This course focuses on integrating ROS 2 with advanced domains like aerial robotics, machine learning, and deployment pipelines to create scalable and efficient robotic solutions. Through hands-on projects and practical workflows, you will learn how to design, program, and deploy robotic systems using ROS 2. From building a DIY mobile robot to implementing CI/CD pipelines and integrating large language models, this course equips you with the tools needed to develop real-world robotics applications. What sets this course apart is its strong emphasis on combining theoretical foundations with cutting-edge applications like deep reinforcement learning and AI integration. You will work on realistic scenarios that mirror industry challenges, ensuring you gain both conceptual clarity and practical expertise. This course is ideal for robotics enthusiasts, software engineers, and AI practitioners with prior experience in ROS 2 or robotics fundamentals. Familiarity with Python, Linux, and basic robotics concepts is recommended. This course is part three of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization.

Syllabus

Aerial Robotics and ROS 2

This module introduces the fundamentals of aerial robotics, focusing on the hardware and software architecture of UAVs, including the Pixhawk autopilot and PX4 control stack. Learners will explore how to simulate aerial robots using Gazebo, interface ROS 2 with PX4, and understand the structure of control code for UAVs. By the end, participants will be equipped to connect, simulate, and control aerial robots in a ROS 2 environment.

Designing and Programming a DIY Mobile Robot from Scratch

This module guides learners through the practical steps of building a DIY mobile robot, including setting up a Raspberry Pi, configuring essential hardware and software, and integrating sensors such as LiDAR. Participants will gain hands-on experience with electronic connections, Linux installation, and advanced device configuration for robotics applications.

Testing, Continuous Integration, and Continuous Deployment with ROS 2

This module introduces essential practices for ensuring code quality and reliability in ROS 2 projects, including automated testing with GTest, integrating ROS 2 APIs into tests, and implementing continuous integration and deployment pipelines. Learners will also discover how to use status badges to monitor project health and streamline collaborative development.

Interfacing Large Language Models with ROS 2

This module introduces learners to integrating large language models (LLMs) with ROS 2 to build intelligent AI agents for robotics applications. You will explore the architecture, setup, and practical use cases of ROS 2 AI agents, including hands-on examples with custom tools and MoveIt2 integration. By the end, you'll understand how LLMs can enhance robotic reasoning and control.

ROS 2 and Deep Reinforcement Learning

This module introduces the integration of deep reinforcement learning algorithms with ROS 2 for robotic applications. Learners will explore value-based methods, set up simulation environments using Isaac Lab, and practice training and testing robotic navigation tasks. By the end, participants will gain hands-on experience deploying and evaluating RL models in simulated robotics scenarios.

Implementing ROS 2 Visualization and Simulation Plugins

This module guides learners through the process of developing and integrating visualization and simulation plugins within the ROS 2 ecosystem. Participants will explore plugin architecture, implement C++ source code, configure XML files, and compile plugins for tools like RQT and Gazebo. By the end, learners will understand how to extend ROS 2 functionality with custom plugins.